It has been said that “the road to hell is paved with good intentions.” One reason that is true is because a lot of people intending to be saved, never get around to doing what they need to do in order to be saved! They believe, and plan to repent someday. They know they must be baptized, and they really do intend to be baptized, but sadly they die before ever really doing it. Thus, their good intentions are no substitute for actually obeying God. In Hebrews 5: 9, we read that Jesus became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.” Notice, it doesn’t say, “He became the author of eternal salvation to all who INTEND TO OBEY HIM SOMEDAY,” In Matthew 7: 21 Jesus said: “Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven.” Notice, Jesus didn’t promise salvation to those who merely HAVE PLANS TO DO GOD’S WILL SOMEDAY! He promises it to those who DO GOD’S WILL! 

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Actually, when you know what God wants you to do, and you deliberately ignore His will (perhaps soothing your conscience with the promise to do it later), you are disobeying God. In effect, you are saying: “I’ll do what God says when I get good and ready, and until then, God can just wait.” So, what we call good intentions for the future are often excuses for disobedience right now. 

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Another reason the road to hell is paved with good intentions is because a lot of folks don’t have as much time to change as they thought they would have. There is no doubt that many intended to change and obey God before they died, but they died before they intended to! Good friend, if you’ve merely had good intentions about obeying God someday, you need to stop INTENDING and start OBEYING! If I can be of help to you in knowing what God wants you to do, please let me know. Think on these things. 

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Dennis Abernathy